CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of my command during the recent campaign, commencing with the advance across Taylor’s Ridge and battle of Resaca, and ending with the defeat of the rebel army and fall of Atlanta:
Read MoreReports of Colonel Robert H. G. Minty, Fourth Michigan Cavalry, commanding First Brigade – September 13, 1864
CAPTAIN: In accordance with orders from headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, I have the honor to hand you the following report of the operations of this brigade during the campaign ending in the occupation of Atlanta.
Read MoreReport of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas J. Patten, First Ohio Cavalry – September 11, 1864
COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the First Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Cavalry in the campaign which has just come to close:
On the 22nd
Report from Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Brigadier General W. L. Elliott – September 4, 1864
About the middle of April my division was very much scattered over the department, and, with the view of reorganization, was ordered to Columbia, Tenn. Before, however, Long’s brigade was mounted, I was ordered to join the army before Dalton on the 30th A
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – August 19, 1864
The large battery which we struck in the first move is, I believe, about the northeast corner of let 190, where two roads come into the Newman road. From that point the enemy’s lines seem to run southeast to the West Point railroad, striking it near Bacon
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – August 7, 1864
GENERAL: In order that you may have a proper understanding of the recent cavalry operations form this army that terminated somewhat unsuccessfully, I will explain. On the 25th of July I had driven the enemy to his inner intrenchments of Atlanta, and had b
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Gordon Granger – August 3, 1864
I want that brigade. Stephen D. Lee is here from Mississippi with 3,500 cavalry, dismounted. Deserters say also that Forrest is here, but, if so, only for consultation. Get General Lorenzo Thomas to give you some negro regiments to hold the railroad stati
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – July 25, 1864
GENERAL: I find it difficult to make prompt report of results coupled with some data or information without occasionally making some mistakes. General McPherson’s sudden death, and General Logan succeeding to the command, as it were, in the midst of battl
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – July 24, 1864
On making up retorts and examining the field, I find the result of Hood’s attack on our left more disastrous to the enemy than I reported. Our loss will not foot up 2,000 killed and wounded, whereas we have found over 1,000 rebels dead, which will make wi
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – July 24, 1864
Result of operations July 22 in front of McPherson’s corps: Enemy’s dead thus far reported buried and delivered to enemy, 3,220; prisoners, 1,017; wounded and prisoners, 1,000. Total, 5,237. Seventeen stand of colors in our possession. Our total loss: Kil
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to General L. Thomas – July 24, 1864
GENERAL: It is my painful duty to report that Brigadier General James B. McPherson, U. S. Army, major-general of volunteers and commander of the Army of the Tennessee in the field, was killed by a shot from ambuscade about noon of yesterday.* At the time
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – July 23, 1864
General Rousseau reports from Marietta yesterday his safe return from Opelika, having destroyed that depot 30 miles of railroad toward Montgomery, 3 miles toward Columbus, and 2 toward West Point. His entire loss 12 killed and 30 wounded. He brings in 400
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – July 23, 1864
GENERAL: We find the enemy in force inside of Atlanta, doubtless in the entrenchments as represented in the blue map as a circle of one mile and a quarter radius. We can see the building of town plain. The enemy fires a good deal of artillery, which passe
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – July 23, 1864
Yesterday morning the enemy fell back to the entrenchments proper of the city of Atlanta, which are in a general circle of a radius of one mile and a half we closed in. While we were forming our lines and selecting positions for batteries, the enemy appea
Read MoreReport from Major General William T. Sherman about Garrard’s Raid on Covington – July 23, 1864
In the mean time Wheeler’s cavalry, unopposed (for General Garrard was absent at Covington by my order), had reached Decatur and attempted to capture the wagon trains, but Colonel (now General) Sprague covered them with great s
Read MoreReport from Confederate Major-General Joseph Wheeler’s Cavalry – July 22, 1864
On the night of the 21st, pursuant to orders from General Hood, I moved around to the enemy’s rear to attack him in conjunction with Lieutenant-General Hardee, who also moved upon their flank for the same purpose. My orders from General Hardee were to att
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – July 21, 1864
GENERAL: Yesterday at 4 p. m. the enemy sallied from his entrenchments and fell suddenly and heavily on our line in the direction of Buck Head. The blow fell upon General Newton’s division, of General Howard’s corps, and on General Ward’s, Geary’s, and Wi
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – July 21, 1864
GENERAL: I have yours of 8.45 last evening and regret much the wound which will deprive us of the services of General Gresham. I was in hopes you could have made a closer approach to Atlanta yesterday, as I was satisfied you had a less force and more infe
Read MoreFrom Major General James B. McPherson to Major General Grenville M. Dodge – July 21, 1864
Brigadier-General Garrard’s cavalry is ordered on an expedition by Major-General Sherman which will occupy them at least two days. This will leave Decatur defenseless, and the way open for a small body of the enemy’s cavalry to dash into our rear. You wil
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – July 20, 1864
GENERAL: I have a dispatch from General Grant. Answer him in my name that Major General Smith has the very orders he suggests, viz, to hang on the Forrest and prevent his coming to Tennessee. I will, however, renew the order. I advanced from the Chattahoo
Read MoreFrom Major General James B. McPherson to Major General William T. Sherman – July 20, 1864
We have had some pretty lively skirmishing and have driven the enemy from several pretty strong positions, though I do not think there has been much of anything but cavalry in front of us on the left. But they have had four pieces of artillery and are arm
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – July 20, 1864
GENERAL: After destroying the bridge at McAfee’s, which I suppose is already done, you will send to General McPherson’s guard at the bridge at Roswell your wagons, led horses, and baggage, and proceed rapidly to Covington, on the main wagon and rail road
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – July 19, 1864
GENERAL: I have this moment received yours of 3.30, and am very glad to hear that Howard has the means to cross over to Schofield in case of need. We have had some skirmishing and abundant evidence that the whole of the rebel army is about Atlanta. The fo
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General James B. McPherson to – July 19, 1864
In order to carry out Special Field Orders, Numbers 39, headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, a copy of which is inclosed herewith,* the following movements will take place to-morrow:
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General William T. Sherman to – July 19, 1864
In the Field, near Decatur, Ga., July 19, 1864.
The whole army will move on Atlanta by the most direct roads to-morrow, July 20, beginning at 5 a. m., as follows:
I. Major-General Thomas from the direction of Buck Head, his left to connect with Gene
From Major General James B. McPherson to Major General William T. Sherman – July 18, 1864
GENERAL: Inclosed please find sketch* of my position to-night and copy of Special Field Orders, Numbers 70, paragraph VI, from these headquarters.+
In pursuance of this order, the different commands were in motion promptly at the hour designated, the S
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – July 18, 1864
We moved to-day rapidly and General McPherson reached the Atlanta and Augusta road at a point seven miles east of Decatur and four miles from Stone Mountain. General Garrard’s cavalry at once set to work to break up road and was re-enforced by Brigadier G
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Major General James B. McPherson – July 18, 1864
GENERAL: In obedience to orders, I left my camp at 5 a. m. this morning to break the railroad between Stone Mountain and Decatur. At Browning’s Court-House I struck the rebel pickets, and skirmished for three miles to the railroad, which I effectually des
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General William T. Sherman to – July 18, 1864
In the Field, near Cross Keys, Ga., July 18, 1864.
The movement of the army to-morrow, July 19, will be as follows:
I. Major-General Thomas will press down from the north on Atlanta, holding in strength the line of Peach Tree, but crossing and threa
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – July 18, 1864
I am at Sam. House’s, a brick house well known, and near Old Cross Keys. A sick negro, the only human being left on the premises, says we are eleven miles from Atlanta, five from Buck Head, and a sign board says ten miles to McAfee’s Bridge and eleven to
Read MoreFrom Major General James B. McPherson to Major General William T. Sherman – July 17, 1864
GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose herewith a sketch* of my position, together with a report from Brigadier General K. Garrard, giving the position of his troops and his operations for to-day. We have met nothing but cavalry, and few of them, except in
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General William T. Sherman to – July 17, 1864
Memoranda to Special Field Orders, Numbers 36: The map composed of two parts of the official compilation made at Marietta July 5 and 11, 1864, is the best and will be the standard for orders issued from these headquarters. As a general rule, old road will
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General James B. McPherson to – July 17, 1864
Near Nancy’s Creek, Ga., July 17, 1864.
* * *
VI. To carry out Special Field Orders, Numbers 36, headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, a copy of which is inclosed herewith,* the following movements will take place to-morrow:
1. The F
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – July 17, 1864
Commanding Army of the Cumberland:
GENERAL: General Schofield has just been here and describes his position as on Nancy’s Creek, his pickets on south side, near Cross Keys, about the lots 304, 315, and 316.
General McPherson is on the road from Rosw
From Major General James B. McPherson to Major General William T. Sherman – July 16, 1864
I shall have to leave with my trains near this place at least three good regiments of infantry and one regiment of cavalry. I am waiting for Garrard to come to obtain some definite information about the road. As far as I can learn yet the Hightower trail
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – July 16, 1864
GENERAL: I have just heard from General McPherson. He moves in the morning for his position on a Decatur road till abreast of you, his cavalry at or near Buchanan’s. You will therefore move to-morrow to the position described in Special Field Orders, Numb
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General James B. McPherson to – July 16, 1864
VII. In order to carry out the spirit and intention of Special Field Orders, Numbers 35, headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, the following movements will take place:
1. The Fifteenth Army Corps, Major General John A. Logan commanding, wi
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – July 15, 1864
I have heard from General Stoneman. He did not break the lower railroad, but burned a bridge over the Chattahoochee near Newnan. He will be in to-night, and I have ordered General Blair to move for Roswell to-morrow. You may, therefore, make all preparati
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General William T. Sherman to – July 14, 1864
In the Field, near Chattahoochee River, Numbers 35.
July 14, 1864.
Preliminary steps having already begun, the following general plan will be observed and adhered to:
I. Major-General Thomas will prepare to cross his army at Powers’ and Pace’s Fe
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – July 14, 1864
General Blair reports a movement of cavalry down the river on the other side all last night, drawn there doubtless by Stoneman’s and Rousseau’s movement. Let General Garrard feel out strong and disturb those that are left.
W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-Gener
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – July 12, 1864
GENERAL: I have received your dispatches of last night. You may put in motion at once the Fifteenth Corps and trains for Roswell, leaving General Blair with such artillery and wagons as he may need to await the return of General Stoneman, and to make in t
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Lieutenant General U.S. Grant – July 12, 1864
DEAR GENERAL: I have written you but once since the opening of the campaign, but I report by telegraph to Halleck daily, and he furnishes you copy. My progress was slower than I calculated, from two chief causes, an uninterrupted rain from June 2 to about
Read MoreReport from Major General William T. Sherman about Atlanta Campaign – July 10, 1864
General Garrard Moved rapidly on Roswell, and destroyed the factories which had supplied the rebel armies with cloth for years. Over one of these, the woolen factory, the nominal owner displayed the French flag, which was not respected, of c
Read MoreFrom Major General James B. McPherson to Major General Frank P. Blair Jr. – July 10, 1864
If you deem it necessary you can strengthen General Leggett’s left from Brigadier-General Gresham’s division. I do not apprehend the enemy’s cavalry will make any serious demonstrations on our lines. They undoubtedly will annoy us as much as possible and
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Grenville M. Dodge – July 10, 1864
I have been out all day; am just back. Have received General Garrard’s and your dispatches. I design that General McPherson’s whole army shall come to that flank, and you are to prepare the way. General newton will stay with you till you feel all sate, wh
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – July 9, 1864
Dispatch received. One division of Thomas’ moved for Roswell last night by the river road. Two divisions of McPherson, Dodge’s corps, are now moving for Roswell via Marietta. Hold fast all you have made, and fortify until re-enforced.
W. T. SHERMAN,
From Major General George H. Thomas to Major General Oliver O. Howard – July 9, 1864
GENERAL: The major-general commanding directs that at daylight you move a division for Roswell Factory to support and make sure of everything that may be gained by Garrard. Let it move without wagons and remain until relieved by General McPherson’s troops
Read MoreFrom Captain L. M. Dayton to Major General George H. Thomas – July 9, 1864
GENERAL: I am directed by the general commanding to say that General Schofield has effected a crossing and lodgment, and has two bridges laid. He captured a gun and did not lose a man. The general commanding directs, also, that you will move one division
Read MoreJournal of Lieutenant Colonel Joseph S. Fullerton, 4th Army Corps – July 9, 1864
July 9.- 2 a. m., received instructions from department headquarters to move the division to Roswell Factory at daylight, and to move without wagons. 2 a. m., directed General Newton to move his division to Roswell Factory at daylight (4.30) this morning,
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – July 9, 1864
GENERAL: We now have a good lodgment on the other bank of the river, Schofield at the mouth of Soap Creek and Garrard opposite Roswell. I saw General Dodge to-day en route for Roswell and explained to him the importance of the place, and he understands it
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General William D. Whipple to Major General Oliver O. Howard – July 8, 1864
GENERAL: Brigadier-General Garrard is to effect a lodgment at Roswell Factory to-morrow morning, and as soon as he reports himself successful General Sherman is to send a corps of the Army of the Tennessee to that point. General McPherson is, however, so
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – July 8, 1864
I have been to our extreme right and all well. Be active at daylight to-morrow to draw attention as far down the river as possible. The moment I hear you have made a lodgment on the south bank I will send a division up to re-enforce you, and it will be fo
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – July 8, 1864
General Garrard will effect a lodgment to-morrow morning at Roswell, and General Schofield about the mouth of Soap Creek. The moment I hear that General Garrard is successful I will send one of General McPherson’s corps up, but he is so far off that it ma
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General William T. Sherman – July 7, 1864
I have not been able to reconnoiter as far as Roswell to-day. I find a pretty good crossing near mouth of Soap Creek. Half a mile above the creek is a shallow ford where infantry can cross easily, but there is no road leading to it and it would be difficu
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – July 6, 1864
GENERAL: I have just received your note announcing that you have possession of Roswell. This is important; watch well the crossing there, but not in force; keep your main force concealed somewhat. General McCook has just started for some point between Rot
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – July 5, 1864
GENERAL: I have ordered Schofield over to this road, in rear of the center, preparatory to moving him over to about the mouth of Rottenwood or Roswell Factory according to reports I may receive from General Garrard. I was in hopes you would get control of
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – July 5, 1864
GENERAL: I have ordered Schofield over to this road, in rear of the center, preparatory to moving him over to about the mouth of Rottenwood or Roswell Factory according to reports I may receive from General Garrard. I was in hopes you would get control of
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – July 5, 1864
On the 3rd we pursued the enemy by all the roads south till we found him in an intrenched position which had been prepared in advance, its salient on the main Marietta and Atlanta road about five miles south of Marietta, and the wings behind the Nickajack
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – July 4, 1864
I have no doubt that the enemy will attempt to molest our rear with his cavalry, and that he has reserved Roswell fortified for that very purpose. To counteract his designs I have ordered Garrard, with his whole cavalry, to proceed to Roswell, take the pl
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – July 3, 1864
General Thomas is moving directly down the road hence to railroad bridge. Garrard’s cavalry is off to the left between railroad and Chattahoochee. I want you and McPherson to threaten the flank of the enemy from Ruff’s Mill; also in the direction of Turne
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Henry W. Halleck – July 3, 1864
The movement on our right caused the enemy to evacuate. We occupied Kenesaw at daylight and Marietta at 8.30 a.m. Thomas is moving down the main road, toward the Chattahoochee; McPherson toward the mouth of Nickajack on the Sandtown road. Our cavalry is o
Read MoreFrom Major General John M. Schofield to Major General George Stoneman – July 3, 1864
GENERAL: The enemy abandoned Kenesaw in the night and has fallen back along his entire line how far does not yet appear. General Thomas is following. General McPherson is moving over onto our right, according to yesterday’s orders. If the enemy crosses th
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – July 2, 1864
General Garrard’s communication is secured. He will be required to cover your line during the movement. If Wheeler goes up to Centreville he will find more than he bargains for and then will be time for Garrard to cut in behind.
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – July 2, 1864
Don’t order back your empty wagons, but have them loaded with bran, rice, hominy, sugar and coffee, and salt, and I will see, if the commissaries have slighted you in distribution of bread rations, that it be made good. I also think it will be safe for yo
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General John M. Schofield – July 2, 1864
General McPherson is now moving out. General Garrard will cover the depot; but one of the greatest probabilities is that Wheeler’s cavalry will, the moment the disposition of the infantry is discovered, sweep round the flank of the cavalry and try to capt
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General James B. McPherson to – July 2, 1864
V. In order to carry out Special Field Orders, Numbers 31, headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi a copy of which is inclosed herewith,* the following movements will be made:
1. The supply trains of the Army of the Tennessee, as fast as they
From Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Major General James B. McPherson – July 1, 1864
GENERAL: Within the last hour two of the cavalry pickets in my front, belonging to the Fifth Georgia, came into my line. They report Wheeler in his camp in my front, but that he has ordered four days’ rations and forage to be issued, and that he intends t
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General William T. Sherman to – July 1, 1864
In the Field, near Kenesaw Mountain, Ga. Numbers 31.
July 1, 1864
The object of the contemplated movement is to deprive the enemy of the great advantage he has in Kenesaw as a valuable watchtower from which to observe our every movement; to force hi
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – June 30, 1864
You may notify Garrard that in our next movement he will have to cover the roads leading from Marietta back to Allatoona, and that he and his brigade commanders should acquaint themselves with the lay of the country and the roads.
Read MoreFrom James C. Van Duzer to Major T. T. Eckert – June 27, 1864
At 8.30 a. m. to- day Sherman attacked the enemy’s line at four points, Schofield carrying the position of the enemy on Sandtown road, north of Ollely’s Creek, which he holds, and which is all the real gain of the day. Thomas attacked with four brigades,
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General James B. McPherson to – June 26, 1864
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT Numbers 51.
AND ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE Near Kenesaw Mountain, June 26, 1864.
In order to carry out Special Field Orders, Numbers 28, Military Division of the Mississippi, a copy of which is inclosed herewith,* corps commanders
From Major General James B. McPherson to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – June 23, 1864
GENERAL: Brigadier-General Leggett is going to make a strong re-connaissance from his position on Brush Mountain toward the enemy’s right flank, and also to threaten the town of Marietta. I desire you to co-operate with him, and for this purpose you will
Read MoreFrom Major General James B. McPherson to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – June 23, 1864
GENERAL: The report of your reconnaissance of to-day received and is perfectly satisfactory. Major-General Thomas reports the main force of the enemy on his right, and I may have to move a portion of my command to his support in the morning. I wish you to
Read MoreFrom Major General Frank P. Blair, Jr. to Lieutenant Colonel William T. Clark – June 23, 1864
The morning of the 19th [June] developed the fact that the enemy had fallen back from Brush Mountain to a line extending from the base of Kenesaw Mountain northeast, covering Marietta. My line was advanced at once to the crest of Brush Mountain. The 20th,
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – June 22, 1864
GENERAL: I am starting for what I deem the point of most activity to-day, though the state of the roads won’t admit of much activity. Yet we may gain possession of ground useful. I wish you to keep Garrard moving about, without breaking connection with yo
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – June 21, 1864
GENERAL: I saw these papers in the hands of your scout and read them hastily. I am gratified at the good progress of Howard, Wood, and Whitaker. Let them all hold fast to all we get, and be ready as soon as we can move with anything like life. Early to-mo
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Major General James B. McPherson – June 21, 1864
GENERAL: I have to report that instructions from General Sherman require me to interpose between the main rebel cavalry and the portion reported to have gone north of the Etowah to interfere with railroad communication. It seems to be the impression that
Read MoreFrom Major General James B. McPherson to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – June 20, 1864
Send immediately a good portion of your dismounted men with their arms to report to Colonel George C. Rogers, commanding at Allatoona.
By order of Major General James B. McPherson:
WM. T. CLARK,
Assistant Adjutant-General.
From Major General William T. Sherman to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – June 20, 1864
I do not wish to extend the infantry on that flank for good reasons. But the enemy has detached a great part of his cavalry back to our line of railroad where they are doing mischief. Now, if they can cross the Etowah, the Oostanaula, and Connesauga – lar
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – June 18, 1864
Your note is just received. I was down with Schofield till near dark – until after he had got bridge and crossing at Noyes’ Creek. I also happened to be near Howard when that firing occurred, and had I not been caught by mud and darkness would have come d
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to General U. S. Grant – June 18, 1864
DEAR GENERAL: I have the doubt you want me to write your occasionally letters not purely official, but which will admit of a little more latitude than such documents possess. I have daily sent to Halleck telegraphs which I asked him to report to you, and
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Major General James B. McPherson – June 14, 1864
GENERAL: I have nothing to report except the information I gave you in all my previous reports is confirmed by every prisoner and deserter who comes within my camp, viz, that the infantry of the enemy is in force on the Lovingood Bridge and Marietta road
Read MoreFrom Major General George H. Thomas to Major General Oliver O. Howard – June 13, 1864
GENERAL: Your note has been received. Should the enemy mean a night attack on you all that can be done is to hold yourself in readiness. Should he mean to attack McPherson’s left and get around his left flank at our wagon train, which is probably his othe
Read MoreFrom Major General James B. McPherson to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – June 13, 1864
GENERAL: Major-General Howard reports a movement of the enemy from the center toward our left. Look out for an attack, and also for an attack on our lines here about daylight. Should you hear sounds of heavy battle, move toward the firing.
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – June 12, 1864
Your note is received and I have sent word to McPherson. If the rebels mean a night attack, all we should do is to give notice to all divisions to be ready. If massing preparatory for daylight, their design is on McPherson’s left, around his left flank at
Read MoreFrom Major General James B. McPherson to Major General William T. Sherman – June 11, 1864
GENERAL: I send you a report just received from Brigadier-General Garrard.* Have you any instructions for him? If he cannot make headway against Wheeler and drive him and hold both the roads he speaks of, I think he had better move down the Marietta road
Read MoreFrom Major General James B. McPherson to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – June 10, 1864
GENERAL: The Army of the Tennessee is in camp in the vicinity of this place covering the Marietta and Roswell Factory road. From your note my understanding is, that you are some distance to the rear of our left flank, probably where the Canton road from t
Read MoreFrom Brigadier General Kenner Garrard to Major General James B. McPherson – June 10, 1864
GENERAL: My headquarters are where they were last night. This morning I sent Long’s brigade down on the Marietta and Lovegood’s bridge road, and secured the intersection of that road with the Big Shanty and Roswell Factory road, which is the main road lea
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – June 10, 1864
GENERAL: The enemy has detached largely from his cavalry, some of which is now up at Calhoun, far to our rear. Surely if this cavalry can make such marches ours should do something. I wish you to move out on the Roswell Factory road until you pass Brush M
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General William T. Sherman to – June 9, 1864
In the Field, Acworth, Ga., June 9, 1864.
The armies will move forward to-morrow morning.
I. Major-General Thomas the center, on the Burnt Hickory and Marietta road and such other roads as he may choose between it and the Acworth and Marietta road,
From Major General James B. McPherson to H. W. Perkins – June 9, 1864
June 9, 1864.
* * * *
XVIII. The command will move to-morrow morning at 6 o’clock in the direction of Marietta in accordance with instructions of Major-General Sherman, inclosed herewith.*
First. The Fifteenth Army Corps, Major General John A. Lo
From Major General William T. Sherman to Major General Frank P. Blair, Jr. – June 6, 1864
Instead of marching via Euharlee and Stilesborough march straight for this place via Cartersville and Allatoona. There is a pontoon bridge at the railroad crossing; leave a regiment at that bridge and relieve Garrard’s cavalry, and the balance of a brigad
Read MoreFrom Colonel Robert H. G. Minty to Captain Robert P. Kennedy – June 5, 1864
CAPTAIN: On the 26th ultimo I was encamped about one mile east from Adair’s Court-House, on the direct road to Powder Springs, my advance pickets being about two and a half miles east of me on the road from Dallas to Villa Rica. About 1 p. m. my pickets w
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General George H. Thomas – June 3, 1864
GENERAL: Lieutenant Tucker, of your headquarters guard, just from Kingston, comes to come to know about the train can safely come to you via Euharlee, Stilesborough, Allatoona, and down the road till it meets you at some point on the road from Allatoona t
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – May 31, 1864
I sent you the orders of movement for to-morrow. I now send you a map which gives the best surveys, and I indicate the best points for your five divisions to cover the right flank. Our heaviest fighting will be still farther east than is given on this map
Read MoreFrom Major General William T. Sherman to Major General James B. McPherson – May 31, 1864
GENERAL: You will observe that after full reflection and due observation I have concluded to make the movement by the left. To affect this, so far as you are concerned, I advise you to-night to place one brigade of Dodge’s at the parapet of Jeff. C. Davis
Read MoreSpecial Field Orders from Major General William T. Sherman to – May 30, 1864
In the Field, near Dallas, Ga., May 30, 1864.
The movements of the army during May 31 and June 1 will be as follows:
I. May 31, the lines will remain substantially as now, and a general activity will be kept up along the whole front. General McPhers
From Major General James B. McPherson to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – May 29, 1864
GENERAL: The general commanding directs that you withdraw Colonel Wilder’s brigade after dark, when the movement begins, and that you carry out the instructions given you in his letter of last evening.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. T
From Major General James B. McPherson to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – May 28, 1864
I have just returned from Major-General Sherman’s. In consequence of the battle this afternoon the movement contemplated to-night will not take place, and your troops will remain as usual in the lines ready to repel any attack. Colonel Wilder will retain
Read MoreFrom Major General James B. McPherson to Brigadier General Kenner Garrard – May 28, 1864
GENERAL: We are going to move from our present position to-night to the left, in order to connect our line with General Hooker’s right. We will move out of Dallas by the road which leads north to Burnt Hickory until we strike the Marietta road running eas
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